Could a bidet improve an older adult’s personal hygiene and comfort? Many Bidets explains how a bidet can make a difference, especially for seniors with mobility limitations or those with serious illnesses.
Some caregivers turn to bidets as a potential solution to improve hygiene, reduce the risk of UTIs, and enhance quality of life. Bidets are invaluable for individuals with mobility challenges or difficulty with personal hygiene.
By promoting better hygiene, reducing bacterial spread, and offering a more comfortable and dignified bathroom experience, a properly maintained bidet can be an invaluable asset in your caregiving routine.
But how can a bidet really make a difference? Let’s break down the science and explore practical tips for enhancing your wellness.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections in Older Adults
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, such as E. coli, enter the urinary system. As people age, both men and women have an increased chance of UTIs. In fact, one study found that more than a third of diagnosed infections in nursing home patients were UTIs.
UTIs can affect the urethra, bladder, and kidneys, and symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe illness.
Diagnosing UTIs in older adults can be challenging. They don’t always present with typical symptoms, such as fever or painful urination. Instead, they may exhibit nonspecific signs, such as confusion or malaise. In addition, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble communicating their symptoms.
Women face an even higher risk: More than 10% of women over 65 and nearly 30% of women over 85 say they had at least one UTI in the last year.
And recurring infections are common, especially in older adults with diabetes, nervous system conditions, or suppressed immune systems.
How a Bidet Can Affect Urinary Health
Many caregivers wonder if using a bidet can decrease the risk of UTIs.
One major study suggests that people who get frequent UTIs use bidets more often than those who don’t, but bidets aren’t the cause of the infections. Frequently, it’s the family caregiver or the person themselves seeking symptom relief.
“When you wipe with toilet paper, you’re spreading or smearing harmful bacteria that can cause UTIs,” explains Daniel Johnson, Many Bidets founder and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. “On the other hand, with a bidet, the water that comes in contact with your skin is designed to wash away that bad bacteria.”
This means that using a bidet after a bowel movement is less likely to introduce harmful bacteria into the urethra compared to wiping with toilet paper.
And since bidets wash away fecal matter and bacteria that could travel to the urinary tract, they can actually reduce the risk of UTIs by improving overall hygiene.
This is especially beneficial for individuals with incontinence, limited mobility, or difficulty with personal hygiene.
Using a bidet provides a more thorough and hygienic cleansing experience, reducing the risk of infection and improving overall quality of life.
In fact, many of Johnson’s customers report fewer UTIs after switching to a bidet, with caregivers noting improvements in their loved ones’ health and comfort.
VIDEO: Can a Bidet Prevent UTIs in Seniors?
5 Tips for Using a Bidet to Prevent UTIs
To maximize the benefits of a bidet and minimize the risk of UTIs, here are five practical tips for caregivers.
1. Opt for an electric bidet
Unlike non-electric models, electric bidets let you adjust the settings to your loved one’s specific needs.
They also have self-cleaning nozzles, and many have built-in sterilization features, making them the most hygienic option for individuals prone to infections.
Some even have remotes that let you operate the bidet from outside the bathroom, preserving privacy and dignity.
2. Keep the bidet clean
Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining a hygienic environment.
Even if the bidet features a self-cleaning nozzle, it’s still essential to periodically perform a thorough cleaning with a gentle cleanser and a soft brush or rag.
Regularly wipe down the seat, lid, and remote control to reduce the spread of germs.
Many electric bidet seats feature a quick-release button that allows you to remove the entire seat for easy, thorough cleaning.
3. Consider adding a bidet water filter
Filters keep the bidet’s wash water free of minerals and impurities.
They also safeguard the bidet from hard water buildup, protecting it from damage and extending its lifespan.
Filters should be replaced every six months.
4. Tailor the nozzle position, water pressure, and temperature
To ensure safety, make sure the nozzle is positioned correctly and not aimed at sensitive areas like the urethra or vagina.
Please start with the lowest water pressure and temperature settings and increase them only as much as needed to avoid irritating the sensitive, thinner skin of older adults.
5. Have a plan for drying off
Leaving skin wet creates an environment that allows bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to irritation or infection.
Electric bidets with warm-air dryers ensure a thorough dry without twisting or reaching to wipe away moisture.
If your bidet doesn’t have an air dryer, be sure to help your loved one dry off after using the bidet.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, a bidet offers more than just modern convenience; it’s a practical tool for promoting senior health and independence. By ensuring more thorough and gentle cleansing than toilet paper alone, it directly addresses a key risk factor for UTIs.
While not a magic solution, incorporating a bidet into an older adult’s bathroom routine can be a simple, practical step toward preventing uncomfortable infections, reducing caregiver strain, and preserving your loved one’s dignity and comfort. It’s a minor bathroom upgrade that can significantly improve their quality of life.
Recommended for you:
- 8 Useful Bathroom Aids for Seniors Make Everyday Tasks Easier
- When Seniors Need Help Using the Toilet: Safety Tips for Caregivers
- 3 Ways to Get the Home Medical Equipment That Seniors Need: Wheelchairs, Hospital Beds, and More
Guest contributor: Meghan Oliver is a writer and content manager with Many Bidets. Led by founder and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Daniel Johnson, Many Bidets focuses on helping everyone – including older adults and individuals with disabilities – enjoy superior health, hygiene, and dignity with the perfect bidet.
